The mechanical and fire protection designs for the Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station (PODS) were meticulously crafted to merge innovation with architectural elegance. Positioned on BC’s stunning west coast, this mass timber structure—designed to resemble an upturned wooden boat—features systems that elevate both sustainability and safety.
AME in partnership with Archineers provided the mechanical consulting services. Archineers designed an Earth Tube which leverages the earth’s natural temperature to provide more energy-efficient ventilation. AME’s design integrates seamlessly with the building’s unique architecture, leveraging an ocean heat exchanger for heating and cooling. This system connects to heat pumps and fan coils, maximizing energy efficiency by utilizing natural ocean resources, it even provides the domestic hot water.
Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) on each floor achieve over 80% energy efficiency, while VAV boxes allow unused spaces to conserve energy. High-ceilinged spaces on the second floor utilize natural ventilation, with automated windows opening based on temperature for consistent comfort.
Fire suppression isn’t an afterthought; it is seamlessly integrated into the design. Using advanced BIM software, our team customized fire suppression systems to trace the building’s unique curves effortlessly. A combination of wet, dry, and pre-action sprinkler systems was deployed to deliver complete safety for both the facility and its visitors, complementing the architectural vision without compromise.
Mechanical and fire suppression solutions are skillfully concealed to maintain the building’s visual appeal. Ductwork and equipment are thoughtfully hidden, while in-floor heating allows for year-round comfort. The 360-degree theatre, with its full ceiling-to-floor screen, required innovative solutions balancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Additional features include a commercial kitchen, a gift shop, a cafeteria, six exhibition spaces, a classroom for university research, a sanitary control room designed for remote operations, and a loading bay with cooling to prevent odors.
PODS is more than a discovery centre; it is a hub for marine research, education, and community engagement—an exemplary integration of sustainable design, state-of-the-art mechanical systems, and advanced fire suppression.
Image credit: David Nairne + Associates Ltd.